Aircraft from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 and VX-31, both stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, line the ramp at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California, prepared to participate in Gray Flag 2024. Gray Flag is an annual large-force test event that brings the Joint force together to test and evaluate multi-domain systems in a maritime environment, ensuring our nation’s warfighters are equipped with effective, interoperable systems that will help them deter aggression, protect our nation’s prosperity and security, and return home safely to their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Katie Archibald)